HB2K

Hi - I can see you are in Leamington. I am in Coventry and always use Gibbs Automotive on London Rd (now easily identifiable by the many Elgrands for sale in the forecourt). The chap there has a 2.4 Alphie himself and knows the cars inside out so if he cannot help, no-one can. He just fitted a new radiator and temp gauge for me after mine blew - not as big a job I know but...) Hope that helps. Edit - there is of course Automotive Japanese Spares in Tile Hill for parts. Not sure they would carry an engine, but if you go in there they can normally help with sourcing things.

I don't know their capacity but Caffeine and Machine in Warwickshire (not that far from Gaydon actually) can host bespoke events: Car clubs: come and see us • Caffeine&Machine (caffeineandmachine.com) I took my Alphard to one of their JDM events, where it ended up on display. 😎

Try Gibb's Automotive for servicing and repairs in Coventry. Very reasonable rates and the chap there knows his onions as he has an Alphie himself.

I've used AXA via Advance Insurance the last few years, but this year I managed to get it cheaper with Churchill. I queried over the phone whether they insure grey imports, but the customer service person said that it doesn't matter as long as the car is on the list, which it is (obviously its impossible to buy an Alphard that has not been imported). First time I've got below £600, which I am happy with as I still have an 'at fault' claim on my record from another vehicle.

Gah - should have scrolled until the end!

Hi. My ignition key buttons are knackered so if I can get a replacement for my 2007 then that would be great. The main ignition key has 4 buttons: open, close and side doors. I'd want the buttons to work remotely. The key is also an immobiliser which I understand is a bit tricky to replicate. Is that something he is able to do? And once he has programmed it, would my separate fob (open, close, tailgate) still work? Or could I amalgamate into one ignition key with 5 buttons? Cheers!

Big shout out to Abbey Motorsport in Oxted, Surrey. I don't know whether he will thank me for it, since they normally work on sportier imports and mine was possibly the first Alphard they had worked on, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Scott there as a helpful source of advice and info. First used them as they are a Tein suspension dealer, but nothing too much trouble.

In terms of mechanics I have struggled in SW London. I recently got the alternator replaced at a local garage though sourcing it was a bit tricky. For suspension fixes (including a replacement coilover kit) and other bits and pieces I have and ended up going out to Abbey Motorsport in Oxted as they specialise in Japanese imports and have a good parts supplier network. Their hourly rates are also more reasonable than garages in SW London! I find local garages want to source parts from Toyota, which can be eye-wateringly expensive.

I regularly use the Alphie for trips to Richmond Borough Council's recycling centre in Kew, which is just inside the ULEZ, so can confirm that 3.0 (02-08) is also compliant!

How is your Alphard already lowered if you don't have a lowering kit on it? BTW, I also have an electronic adjustable damping system - there's a big difference between the firmest and softest settings. Softest makes my daughter car sick, firmest means potholes / speedbumps etc become a big problem with the front bumper constantly bottoming out. So I keep on a middle setting!😎

Where did you get the remap done if you don;t mind? And what bhp are you now running?

I have just replaced the original Tein coilovers on my 2007 3.0 with latest version, as one of the shocks snapped. It was not cheap at all, as I had to replace various other suspension bits as well including the rear axle beam bushes, which is a big job. But Tein seems to be the way to go. I was recommended to have the rear suspension higher than the front, which I think means I am maxed out on ride height. I don;t like the rake so much from a visual perspective, but speed bumps are fine and I can still get in car parks with max 2m height restrictions.

Late to the party, but would definitely be up for this. Currently looking for a house in Warwickshire so thumbs up here.

Hi MonsterS - what sort of remap can you do of the 3.0?

Bit late to this Marianne, but I have a similar Tein set up on my 2007 van. It was a bit all over the place on purchase and Abbey Motorsport raised and realigned it for me. If you give Scott a ring maybe he can help you out.